Former American Idol Contestant Offended By Racism Claim

02/04/2013.

Former American Idol contestant Jermaine Jones is "offended" that his name was brought into a potential legal battle over claims of racism on the part of the reality show.

The legal documents issued by the attorney who is seeking permission to sue the show on the behalf of nine former contestants who were publicly disqualified, cited Jones's premature elimination from the show, after a background check revealed his prior arrests, as a catalyst for the planned lawsuit, according to TMZ.

"I am offended they tried to paint me as a victim of discrimination," Jones told the site. "I appreciate the experience from 'Idol' and embraced the good and bad from it."

He added, "I have moved on with my life ... and have not authorized them to include me in the accusations."